Special 12/16 mtg re SNAP access barriers; lock/unlock EBT card; 2025 Coalition meetings

12/10/24

Monday, Dec. 16 from 1-2 PM: Meeting to discuss DTA interview issues 

At the last SNAP Coalition meeting a number of partners raised issues about clients struggling to have their SNAP application interview. We did not have enough time to discuss this robustly - so please join on Monday for a special meeting focused on SNAP interview issues. 

Here is a Zoom link for the meeting on Monday from 1-2 PM. Let Vicky know if you have questions or issues in the meantime. 

SNAP theft: Option to lock/unlock EBT card - resources in multiple languages

As DTA shared at Coalition, DTA now has an option to lock and unlock EBT cards through DTAConnect (on DTAConnect.com or on the mobile app). When the card is locked, it cannot be used to make purchases. When it is unlocked, it can be used. Unlocking goes into effect immediately, so families can choose to unlock in the checkout line. 

We strongly encourage SNAP households who are able to readily and consistently access DTAConnect to leave their card locked until they need to use it to protect benefits from theft. DTA has resources posted in multiple languages at Mass.gov/ProtectYourEBT. 

If a client needs to change their PIN, they must unlock their card first. DTA is working to fix this so households can change the PIN while the card is locked.  

More broadly, we urgently need Congress to extend federal replacement of stolen SNAP benefits. Please thank Congressman McGovern and the MA delegation for their support! See today’s article on this issue featuring quotes from Congressman McGovern:

“When these benefits get stolen, it means families go without — and I find that totally unacceptable and shameful,” McGovern said. “The majority of people receiving food assistance through SNAP are seniors, children, and people with disabilities. The thieves who steal these benefits from them are breaking the law and should be held accountable — and the folks who have their benefits stolen, through no fault of their own, absolutely ought to have their grocery money replaced. This is just common sense stuff.”

Contact Vicky with any questions about this, and stay tuned on this critical issue. 

2025 SNAP Coalition Meeting Dates

Here are the 2025 monthly meeting dates. All meetings are from 10-11:30 AM. We don’t send out a calendar invite due to the size of the Coalition email list, but here is a calendar link you can click and manually add to a Google calendar. Here is a calendar link for outlook.  

 

  • Jan 28

  • Feb 25

  • March 25

  • April 22

  • May 27

  • June 24

  • July 22

  • No August meeting

  • Sept. 23

  • October 28

  • Dec. 2 (combination Nov/Dec meeting)